Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown is one of the three major Chinatowns in Japan. It features about 50 Chinese restaurants and numerous souvenir and sundry shops.         Nagasaki Lantern Festival    This annual festival in Nagasaki is held to celebrate the Chinese New Year. It originally started as a New Year celebration among the Chinese residents living in Nagasaki, before expanding into a major city-wide festival in 1994. During the festival, more than 10,000 lanterns beautifully decorate Chinatown and the surrounding areas.    

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  Unzen is a pleasant onsen resort town located within Unzen-Amakusa National Park. The area was originally developed as a resort destination primarily for international visitors looking to escape the summer heat near Nagasaki.     Unzen Onsen Resort Located in the center of the Shimabara Peninsula, this area sits on the southwestern slope of Mount Unzen at an altitude of 700 meters. It began welcoming foreign tourists around 1900, after  figures such as Kaempfer and Siebold introduced the region to the West. In 1934, it became part of the first area to be designated as a National Park in Japan.   Where to explore   Nita Pass Nita Pass is one of the most scenic spots in Unzen, offering magnificent natural beauty throughout the year. Each season puts on a spectacular display: vibrant azaleas in spring, lush greenery in summer, brilliant red maples in autumn, and a fantastic silver hoarfrost in winter.   Unzen Jigoku Unzen Jigoku, which literally means “Hell,” is the number one attraction of Unzen. The area is filled with the distinct scent of sulfur and thick white steam rising from the ground across a wide area—a striking reminder that the Unzen volcano remains very much active.   Unzen Trekking   A variety of trekking routes start right from the onsen resort town, leading visitors through Unzen Jigoku. From casual walkers to avid …

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               Since the opening of its port in 1571, Nagasaki has flourished as Japan’s premier international gateway. The city offers a unique blend of history, from the early spread of Christianity to its pivotal role in Japan’s industrial revolution. While it is a place of profound historical significance—including its tragic experience as the site of an atomic bombing—Nagasaki today stands as a beautiful city of peace and culture.     Exploring Nagasaki   Glover Garden   / UNESCO World Heritage Glover Garden is located on Minami-Yamate Hill in Nagasaki City and features nine traditional Western-style buildings. Among these, the Glover, Alt, and Ringer Residences date back to the settlement era and are invaluable structures that have stood on this site for over 150 years. The garden boasts a stunning location overlooking Nagasaki Port, with the iconic Mt. Inasa visible in the background.   Peace Park The Peace Statue was erected in 1955 near Ground Zero, where the atomic bomb was dropped at 11:02 a.m. on August 9, 1945. Every year on August 9, the Peace Memorial Ceremony is held in front of the statue, where the Mayor of Nagasaki delivers the Nagasaki Peace Declaration to the world. Atomic Bomb Museum The museum displays a collection of photographs that depict the devastation of the atomic bombing, the lead-up to the tragedy, the history of nuclear arms, and a collective hope …

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  Nestled at the foot of Mount Unzen and facing the Ariake Sea, the Shimabara region consists of two cities: Shimabara City on the eastern side and Minami-Shimabara City on the southern part of the peninsula. The region offers a wealth of experiences, including stunning nature, relaxing onsen, the historic castle town of Shimabara, and significant Christian pilgrimage sites.     Exploring Shimabara     Shimabara Castle Located in Shimabara City, this castle was built in 1625 by the feudal lord Matsukura Shigemasa, who was renowned as a master of castle architecture. The castle, which took seven years to complete, is also affectionately known as “Moritake Castle.   Samurai Houses Samurai were the elite military nobility of pre-industrial Japan. Located near Shimabara Castle, the beautifully preserved samurai residences along this historic street date back to the 18th century.   Samurai Street This historic street, lined with traditional stone walls and a spring water canal running down its center, preserves the atmosphere of Shimabara’s old samurai district. Three samurai residences have been carefully restored and are open to the public as museums.   Harajo Castle ruins This Christian pilgrimage site is part of the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region,” registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was the battlefield of the Shimabara Rebellion in 1637, a massive peasant uprising led by Amakusa Shiro against the Shogunate’s persecution …

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  Kyushu Travel Guide Created by Japan Kyushu Tourist   Welcome to your exclusive Kyushu Travel Guide.   We believe that understanding a culture makes any trip extraordinary. This guide is filled with unique insights and genuine photos from our own travels across the region.   We hope it inspires your next wonderful journey. Happy exploring!     Fukuoka Prefecture     Fukuoka Fukuoka is Kyushu’s largest city and the dynamic gateway to Japan. Centered around culture, fashion, and commerce, this energetic hub features an international airport, making it the ideal starting point for your journey.   Kitakyushu As Kyushu’s second-largest city, Kitakyushu offers diverse attractions: breathtaking night views from Mt. Sarakura, the rich history of Kokura Castle town, scenic Mojiko Retro on the Kanmon Strait, and Yahata’s World Industrial Heritage sites.   Dazaifu Dazaifu is a premier destination in Fukuoka for experiencing traditional Japanese culture. From the 7th to 12th centuries, it served as Japan’s “Western Capital” and the administrative center of Kyushu, acting as the front line for diplomacy and a vital gateway to Asia.   Itoshima Located next to Fukuoka City, Itoshima faces the Genkai Sea, boasting beautiful beaches and a dynamic, rugged coastline. Nestled between the sea and the southern Sefuri Mountains, the region offers a serene, tranquil landscape   Yanagawa Yanagawa is a scenic canal town facing the …

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Located south of Aso, Takachiho offers breathtaking natural beauty, best represented by the dynamic Takachiho Gorge. Formed by volcanic activity from Mount Aso, this narrow, V-shaped chasm features dramatic columnar joints sculpted by the Gokase River over thousands of years.   Takachiho is also famous as the cradle of Japanese mythology. Legend has it that the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, once hid in a local cave here to escape her brother’s pranks, leading the other gods to devise a plan to lure her out and restore light to the world.     Takachiho Gorge A narrow chasm cut through the rock by the Gokase River, the gorge is lined with nearly sheer cliffs of volcanic basalt. These slow-forming columnar joints resemble the scales of a dragon, tracing the twisted paths where the molten stone once flowed and took shape.   Takachiho Gorge boat riding The most recommended activity at Takachiho Gorge is renting a boat to experience the river from the very base of the canyon. The view from the water—where you can witness cascading waterfalls and dramatic columnar cliffs simultaneously—is a rare spectacle found in few other places in the world.  Looking to ride the boats? As part of our Customized Private Tours, we handle the entire boat reservation process for our guests.   Takachiho shrine Located just west of …

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